Meet Hannah Hook, assistant professor of sustainable land use and transport planning

What do you research and what is your area of expertise?

My research focuses on travel behavior, well-being, and equity. I study how our everyday travel shapes happiness and satisfaction, by looking at attitudes, motivations, preferences, and experiences. While my work leans toward transport psychology, my perspective comes from geography and planning rather than psychology.

What interests you about this particular subject?

I want to challenge the notion of travel as only a derived demand, or just a way to get from point A to B, and instead understand how travel itself can support well-being. I’m also committed to placing equity and well-being at the heart of planning processes, so that transport systems improve quality of life for everyone.

What kind of career path led you to this position?

I studied for a Master’s in Sustainable Cities at King’s College London and in GIS Technology at the University of Arizona. I then earned my PhD and worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Ghent University, supported by fantastic mentors and the EIT Urban Mobility Doctoral Training Network. These experiences shaped both my academic focus and my collaborative approach to research.

What are your expectations for your work here at Aalto University?

I look forward to working on both local and European projects in an environment that values well-being and encourages experimentation and creativity in research.